Make This the Year of You

Hello, my name is Cheryle.

Global Business Leader. Women and Girls Advocate. Ambassador for Grace.

I’ve been blessed with a trailblazing career in media as a former Vice President at NPR, in government leading communications for an Illinois governor, in civil rights as the president and CEO of Chicago Urban League, in politics as a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois, and in international business leading global business development and serving as President of AAR Africa for global aviation services company AAR. I’ve traveled the world from the Southside of Chicago to South Africa, from Chongqing to Cairo and Rio to Ryad. What I have found most powerful is the opportunity to impact the world one community at a time. Working to help create economic opportunities, equal access to rights and ensuring everyone has an equal voice gives my life purpose.

Now, I am on a crusade to help people, especially those who face incredible odds in their quest to succeed, to activate their secret superpower: Grace. From my personal life crisis of cancer and divorce, I discovered that when you practice Grace with yourself — self-compassion, self-care, self-acceptance — you gain more power in your professional and personal life. More Grace, more power!

Cheryle’s Blog

Most of us have fallen victim to that little voice in our heads that says, “I could never do that. It’s too unrealistic.” Or how about this self-sabotage classic?: “If it was viable, someone would’ve done it already.” Or this one?: “A lot of people already do something similar…” Or my (least) favorite: “I’m too old to change careers/start something new now.” Ooh, girl. Staahhp.

It’s Not a Competence Issue, It’s a Confidence Issue

In my early 30s, I worked as regional vice president for government and public affairs for a rail carrier. I found out that I wasn’t the “type” of employee the CEO was used to dealing with. I was assigned to accompany him on a junket to Nashville, Tennessee…